History of X-Men '97 in Timeline

"X-Men '97" is a Disney+ animated series that revives the beloved "X-Men: The Animated Series" (1992-1997). Produced by Marvel Studios, the show continues the X-Men's story as they navigate new challenges following the loss of Professor X. Beau DeMayo serves as head writer and Jake Castorena as supervising director for the first two seasons.

1984: "Lifedeath" storyline adapted for X-Men '97

The "Lifedeath" storyline from Uncanny X-Men #186, published in 1984, is adapted for X-Men '97.

1985: "The Trial of Magneto" storyline adapted for X-Men '97

"The Trial of Magneto" from Uncanny X-Men #200, originally published in 1985, is adapted for an episode in X-Men '97.

1989: "Inferno" storyline adapted for X-Men '97

The comic book crossover event "Inferno," published in 1989, is adapted for X-Men '97.

1992: "Motendo" episode pays homage to the 1992 X-Men arcade game

An episode of X-Men '97 titled "Motendo" pays tribute to the X-Men arcade game released in 1992.

1992: X-Men: The Animated Series Premieres

The original "X-Men: The Animated Series" premiered in 1992, laying the groundwork for the X-Men universe that "X-Men '97" would later continue.

1992: Ace of Base's "Happy Nation" Used in X-Men '97

The song "Happy Nation" by Ace of Base, which was released shortly after the premiere of X-Men: The Animated Series in 1992, is prominently featured in X-Men '97, specifically in connection with the nation of Genosha and the Sentinel attack on it.

1993: "Fatal Attractions" storyline adapted for X-Men '97

The "Fatal Attractions" crossover event, published in 1993, is adapted for X-Men '97.

1994: Iron Man and Fantastic Four animated series premieres

The animated series "Iron Man" and "Fantastic Four" were released in 1994, marking the beginning of a wave of Marvel animated shows.

1996: The Incredible Hulk animated series premieres

The animated series "The Incredible Hulk" premiered in 1996, adding to the growing roster of Marvel animated shows.

1997: X-Men: The Animated Series Concludes

After a successful run, "X-Men: The Animated Series" concluded in 1997, leaving fans eager for more adventures with their favorite mutant superheroes.

1997: "Operation: Zero Tolerance" storyline adapted for X-Men '97

The comic book crossover event "Operation: Zero Tolerance," which ran throughout 1997, is incorporated into X-Men '97.

1998: Silver Surfer animated series premieres

The animated series "Silver Surfer" was released in 1998.

2001: "E Is for Extinction" storyline adapted for X-Men '97

The "E Is for Extinction" storyline from New X-Men #115, published in 2001, is adapted for X-Men '97.

2016: Pulse nightclub shooting influences X-Men '97

The Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016 significantly influenced Beau DeMayo's approach to X-Men '97, inspiring him to explore themes of trauma and social justice.

June 2019: Discussions Begin for a Revival

Discussions for a revival of "X-Men: The Animated Series" started in June 2019, hinting at the possibility of a continuation of the beloved series.

June 2019: Larry Houston Discusses Potential Revival

Larry Houston, producer and director of the original "X-Men" animated series, revealed in June 2019 that discussions about a potential revival were taking place with Disney.

November 2020: Beau DeMayo Pitches Revival

Beau DeMayo, known for his work on Marvel Studios' "Moon Knight", presented his pitch for the "X-Men" revival in November 2020.

2020: X-Men: The Art and Making of The Animated Series Published

The book "X-Men: The Art and Making of The Animated Series" was published in 2020, offering insights into the creation of the original series and potentially influencing the revival.

June 2021: Marvel Studios Animation Expands Development Slate

By June 2021, Marvel Studios Animation was developing a slate of at least three series in addition to "What If...?", indicating their growing commitment to animated content.

August 2021: Release Timeframe for New Animated Series

In August 2021, it was reported that Marvel Studios Animation's new series, including "X-Men '97", were not expected to be released until 2023.

November 2021: X-Men '97 Officially Announced

Marvel Studios formally announced the revival, "X-Men '97", in November 2021, generating excitement among fans of the original series.

November 2021: Voice recording for X-Men '97 begins

Voice recording for X-Men '97 commenced in November 2021.

2021: Theo James and Beau DeMayo collaborate on "The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf"

Theo James and Beau DeMayo worked together on the animated film "The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf," which was released in 2021.

April 2022: Lewalds review premises and scripts for X-Men '97 season 1

By April 2022, Eric and Julia Lewald, writers on the original X-Men animated series, had reviewed the premises for all ten episodes and numerous finished scripts from the first season of X-Men '97.

July 2022: Work begins on X-Men '97 season 2

Work on the second season of X-Men '97 commenced in July 2022.

2022: Moon Knight Miniseries Released

Beau DeMayo worked as a writer on the live-action Disney+ miniseries "Moon Knight", which was released in 2022.

2022: X-Men '97 announced as part of the "Marvel Animated Multiverse"

During San Diego Comic-Con in 2022, "X-Men '97" was revealed as a part of the "Marvel Animated Multiverse," suggesting potential connections with other MCU properties.

2022: DeMayo discusses writing process for X-Men '97

In 2022, Beau DeMayo, head writer for X-Men '97, discussed his approach to writing the show, highlighting the challenges of adapting certain characters while preserving the show's melodramatic and campy elements.

2022: Marvel Studios Secures Rights to X-Men: The Animated Series Theme Song

In 2022, Marvel Studios paid a hefty sum to secure the rights to the iconic X-Men: The Animated Series theme song, originally composed by Ron Wasserman under contract with Haim Saban. The agreement stipulated that the theme be re-recorded for future projects, with credit attributed to Saban and Shuki Levy, the original music executives.

2022: X-Men '97 Theme Song Debuts in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

The re-recorded X-Men '97 theme song, credited to Saban and Levy, made its first appearance in 2022, notably in the MCU film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and the series Ms. Marvel, as both projects included references to mutants.

2022: X-Men '97 Animatics Showcased at San Diego Comic-Con

X-Men '97 was a topic of discussion during Marvel Studios Animation's panel at the 2022 San Diego Comic-Con, with animatics from the series showcased for attendees.

February 2023: Recording for X-Men '97 season 2 starts

Recording for the second season of X-Men '97 began in February 2023.

July 2023: Writing for X-Men '97 season 2 finale begins

Writing for the finale of X-Men '97's second season began in July 2023.

August 2023: Zann begins recording for X-Men '97 season 2

Voice actress Jennifer Hale began recording her lines for the second season of X-Men '97 in August 2023.

December 2023: Marvel Comics Announces X-Men '97 Comic Book Prequel

In December 2023, Marvel Comics announced a four-issue comic book prequel series titled X-Men '97, written by Steve Foxe and illustrated by Salva Espin. Developed in collaboration with the animated series' producers, the comic was described as an "original tale that feeds right into" the new series.

2023: X-Men '97 Premiere Delayed

Initially planned for a late 2023 release, the premiere of X-Men '97 was ultimately delayed.

2023: Anticipated Release Year for New Animated Series

Marvel Studios Animation's new series, including "X-Men '97", were anticipated to be released sometime in 2023.

February 15, 2024: X-Men '97 Trailer Released

On February 15, 2024, the trailer for X-Men '97 was released, revealing the first season's premiere date. The trailer garnered significant attention, with praise directed towards its nostalgic elements, especially the use of the original series' main theme. While some critics expressed concerns about the animation style, the trailer was well-received overall and reportedly set an internal Disney record for the most successful trailer launch of an animated series on Disney+.

February 2024: Theo James cast as Bastion in X-Men '97

In February 2024, it was revealed that Theo James had been cast as Bastion in X-Men '97.

March 2024: Beau DeMayo Exits as Head Writer

After completing work on the first two seasons, Beau DeMayo was fired as head writer for "X-Men '97" in March 2024.

March 2024: DeMayo fired from X-Men '97

In March 2024, head writer Beau DeMayo was fired from X-Men '97 before the show's premiere.

March 2024: Release of X-Men '97 Comic Book Prequel and Variant Covers

March 2024 marked the release of the first issue of the X-Men '97 comic book prequel. Notably, select X-Men comic books released in March 2024 featured variant covers inspired by Hasbro's Marvel Legends figures from the animated series.